Reenactments during tellings: Using gaze for initiating reenactments, switching roles and representing events

• Published in: Journal of pragmatics 2022-02, Vol.189, p.92-113
• Main Authors: Pfeiffer, Martin, Weiss, Clarissa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dyadic interaction; Eye movements; Gaze; German language; Gesture; Humor; Interpersonal communication; Laughter; Linguistics; Pragmatics; Prosody; Quotative; Reenactment; Social interaction; Storytelling
• ISSN: 0378-2166; 1879-1387
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pragma.2021.11.017

In this paper, we draw on German dyadic face-to-face conversations among friends in order to examine the interactional functions of gaze in reenactments, i.e. “re-presentations or depictions” (Sidnell, 2006: 377) of previously experienced or imagined events. Firstly, we show that reenactors use several different gaze patterns depending on whether the depicted original event is dialogic or non-dialogic. Secondly, we compare the use of different resources for initiating reenactments and switching roles during reenactments with regard to the interactional function of the different alternatives. Specifically, we describe a multimodal practice for switching characters during reenactments that are designed to invite laughter. In sum, the findings add to our knowledge about the various communicative functions of gaze in social interaction. •We examine the interactional functions of eye gaze in conversational reenactments.•Reenactors use different gaze patterns depending on whether the depicted original event is dialogic or non-dialogic.•We describe the role of gaze in initiating reenactments and switching roles during reenactments.•In particular, we describe a multimodal practice for switching roles in reenactments that are designed to invite laughter.•The findings add to our knowledge about the various communicative functions of gaze in social interaction.